
3 minute read
Weddings In Paradise
Let the magic of your love sweep you away on a journey of a lifetime.
Whether you’re getting married, planning a honeymoon or renewing your vows, South Padre Island is the perfect destination. From the Gulf of Mexico to the Laguna Madre Bay, the locations and options are only limited by your imagination…
South Padre Island quite simply is the destination of choice for your wedding. Surround yourselves in an atmosphere of tropical tranquility and breathtaking beauty as you pledge your eternal love. What is your idea of the romance this special occasion deserves? How high are your expectations for this special day, which should be nothing less than glorious? Spectacular sand dunes covered in native vine and flowers and a spectacular coastline along the Gulf of Mexico are perfect for romantic, barefoot weddings on a beautiful beach. If your dream wedding involves a sunset, several settings along the bay provide the perfect setting when the sun simmers into the vast and beautiful Laguna Madre Bay at the end of a beautiful day. For the more adventuresome person, rent anything from a fishing boat to a large catamaran and say those special vows while cruising on the beautiful Laguna Madre Bay. And how appropriate will it be when the moment arrives, and the most important words you will speak in your life – your wedding vows – will be carried from your lips to your loved one on a gentle warm breeze.
Need help planning your special day? The Island has several wonderful wedding planners that can assist you with everything from location to flowers, cakes, equipment rentals and even someone to perform the wedding. For more information contact the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce at info@spichamber.com or 956.761.4412
Best of all, the requirements for getting married on South Padre Island are relatively simple and uncomplicated. Both religious and civil ceremonies can be performed at virtually any location on the Island.

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
1 Residents and non-residents of Texas can obtain a marriage license from any County Clerk’s office in the State. Both parties must be present and at least 16 years of age. Applicants under the age of 18 must have a certified copy of their birth certificate (long form) issued in the last 10 years as well as court-emancipated. One valid form of identification such as State issued driver’s license, military ID, passport, visa, or state issued ID. A certified copy of a birth certificate may be used along with one other form of ID. No blood test is required. The license is good for 90 days. There is a 72-hour waiting period between obtaining the license and holding the wedding. However, there is a 30-day waiting period following the judgment of a divorce being granted. The cost of a license varies by county ($71 - $88), and is subject to change. The current cost in Cameron County is $82 (subject to change – checks and credit cards are not accepted). 2 The closest Cameron County office is located at 501 Hwy. 100, Port Isabel, Texas, 956.943.8101. Hours: 8:00 am – 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm Monday – Friday. 3 To act as an officiant at a wedding within Texas borders, you must be an active or retired judge, a licensed or ordained priest, minister or rabbi, an officer ordained by a religious organization, or a justice of the peace. 4 All beach weddings held within the city limits of South Padre Island are required to have a permit. Anyone can pickup the permit, but it must be done in person. The permit informs all interested parties of the wedding details, helps ensure your wedding does not restrict the use of the beach to others, and provides you with state and local beach rules and laws. For ceremonies held on beaches within the City of South Padre Island, contact Public Works Department, 4601 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas, (956) 761-3044. For ceremonies held on Cameron County beaches, contact Cameron County Parks System at (956) 761-5494. For ceremonies onboard a vessel, check with the captain to determine the rules and regulations he is governed by. ` sopadre.com
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